RESTORING REST HARROW IN ARDEN

Refurbishing an Arts & Crafts cottage designed by William Lightfoot Price, noted architect and founder of utopian communities.

- Sadie Somerville

This little gem is an original cottage designed by Will Price in the Arts & Crafts enclave of Arden, Delaware. My husband, Rodney Jester, and I were so taken by it, we joined in its restoration, along with our friend Dink Pompper, who lives next door to the cottage.

Built ca. 1912, the cottage was basically all still there, quite neglected but unchanged. Rodney says that the best thing about the house was that it was untouched—which was also the worst thing about it! The original, main house is a mere 18' x 18'. During the 1930s or ’40s, a 10' extension was added at the back for a small kitchen and bath. Features that make the cottage unique include carved stucco, inlaid Moravian tiles, original Arden Forge door hardware, and leaded glass windows made by Arden artisan Elena Darling. The fireplace has local fieldstone and handmade brick. The name of the cottage is Rest Harrow, which had been carved into wood over the front door.